The Conflict

The Nigerian state, or province, of Zamfara declared in 1999 that it was repudiating Nigeria's constitution and adopting Islamic law, shari'a. Observers feared that Nigeria would dissolve into civil war. Violence broke out and many people fled their homes.

Political

The Muslim population of Zamfara was enthusiastic about adopting shari'a to deal with crime that the state seemed unable to stop.

The central government rejected Zamfara's right to establish a separate legal system and civil rights groups challenged the constitutionality of the system.

Religious

Nigeria is comprised of roughly equal numbers of Christians and Muslims.

Christians object to being forced to abide by Islamic law.

Economic

• In the 1980s the price of oil plummeted, causing economic dislocation, violence, and land disputes.